30 of My Favorite Bag Sewing Patterns (most are free)

Today I’ve rounded up more than 30 of my favorite bag sewing patterns. Most of them are free patterns. I have also included a section of bag patterns that you can buy.

If you’ve been a long time reader then you know that I love to make bags! I still remember the first bag I ever made. My twins were babies (so it was years ago). I remember struggling through those first steps to put the bag together. That overwhelming feeling that someone who is learning to sew sometimes gets.

Then all of the sudden a light bulb “clicked” on and I understood how to put the bag together. After that it was all downhill from there.

If you’ve not ever made a bag before, I encourage you to give it a try! They are fun to make and are perfect as handmade gifts.

30+ Bag Sewing Patterns:

Free Tote Bag Patterns on Polka Dot Chair Blog:

We have well over 1200 projects and tutorials on our site. Here are a few of our most popular bag patterns and tutorials.

Learn How to Make a Bag; A Simple Tote Bag Pattern

If you're looking for somehwere to start, this free tutorial is a great place. This simple tote bag features a strudy canvas bottom making it perfect for church or school.

Beach Bound Straw Tote Tutorial

This fun tote is made using stitchable straw. A bit of bling is added to the front with some hand beading. It's a bit more work but the result is totally worth it!

Oversized Beach Bag Sewing Pattern

If you need a GIANT bag to tote with you to the beach or pool, then you may love this oversized beach bag pattern. It's large enough to hold 2-3 beach towels PLUS all your other necessities.

Quilt Block Tote Bag Tutorial - Halloween Version!

Do you have some quilt blocks laying around that you don't know what to do with? Why not stitch them up into a fun tote bag. This version is made using some left over Halloween quilt blocks but you could easily swap it out for any season or quilt block.

How to Make a Drawstring Bag or Backpack

My kids love these simple drawstring backpacks. We usually make a new one for them each summer and they use them up and wear them out.

Cute & Simple Kids Library Bag Pattern

When we were kids we always used to lose our library books. When mine were younger I they had a "library" bag that they used JUST for thier books. It helped them to keep track of they borrowed each week.

How to Make a Drawstring Laundry Bag; a Fat Quarter Project

Tired of dirty laundry getting lost in your suitcase? Stitch up a special travel laundry bag to keep it seperate from your other (clean) clothing.

How to add Leather Straps to a Handbag

Many tote bag patterns feature straps sewn from farbric. If you'd like to add leather handles instead this tutorial will walk you through it step by step.

Laminated Drawstring Bag Tutorial

Photo Credit: weallsew.com

This cute makeup bag features a vinyl wipe off lining! Perfect for quick cleanup.

How to sew a Simple Tote Bag with Melissa Mortenson | Fat Quarter Shop

Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

This tote bag was featured in a series of tutorials that I did for Fat Quarter Shops YouTube channel.

Bunny Purse Sewing Pattern for the Cricut Maker

This little bag is so fun to stitch up. Included are directions to make the bag with your Cricut Maker or without.

Free Bag Patterns from other Sewing Blogs:

There are so many fabulous sewing blogs out there right now. I can't type up this list without mentioning a few free bag patterns featured on some of my favorite sewing blogs.

DIY Fabric Basket Tote {free sewing pattern}

Photo Credit: www.sewcanshe.com

This tote bag pattern is sturdy and simple to make thanks to the use of stitchable foam. Grab the tutorial over at Sew Can She.

The Scrapyard Tote - free sewing pattern

Photo Credit: www.sewcanshe.com

The perfect scrap buster! You can stitch up this bag in an afternoon.

Kid's Mini Messenger Bag Pattern

Photo Credit: crazylittleprojects.com

Kids love it when they have their own bags! This one is just the right size for them to carry some of their favorite essentials.

Kid's Duffle Bag Pattern-Crazy Little Projects

Photo Credit: crazylittleprojects.com

Pefect for sleepovers!

Flying Geese Patchwork Bag

Photo Credit: weallsew.com

Grapic and simple this patchwork bag pattern is stunning!

How to Make a Ruffle Duffle Bag

Photo Credit: weallsew.com

Rachel created this duffle bag for her kids to use for ballet class. It's made from laminate fabric which makes it super easy to clean.

Sew Your Own Reusable Grocery Bag With This Free Pattern

Photo Credit: www.thesprucecrafts.com

Easy enough to stich up that you can make a few, just in case you need to keep an extra in your car.

SEWING || FREE REVERSIBLE BOX TOTE PATTERN!!!

Photo Credit: www.veryshannon.com

This tote bag is clever and striking. Grab the pattern over at Very Shannon.

Teacher Lunch Bags featuring Sunnyside Ave fabrics

Photo Credit: amerooniedesigns.com

I'm always looking for fun ideas for teacher gifts!

Heart Backpack Free Pattern

Photo Credit: www.sewmuchado.com

This has got to be one of the cutest bag patterns I've ever seen!

DIY Drawstring Shoulder Bag Tutorial

Photo Credit: www.diaryofaquilter.com

This tote bag features a drawstring top and a unique scrap fabric band for contrast.

Camera embroidery tote bag

Photo Credit: www.minkikim.com

Minki walks you though the steps of creating your own "sketch" using your sewing machine and fabric. So clever!

Sew It - A Fall Plaid Crossbody Bag

Photo Credit: akailochiclife.com

Simple and cute! A great beginner sewing project.

Plaid Flannel Fall Tote Bag - Sewing Tutorial

Photo Credit: orangebettie.com

This bag was designed for Fall but I think it would be perfect to use all year.

Bag Patterns that you Can Buy:

As much as I love a free tutorial, sometimes a project is more involved and the best format for it is a paid pattern. The benefit of buying a bag pattern is that there are usually more detailed instructions and more photos. Since I'm a HUGE fan of the Maker movement, I'm always happy to spend a few dollars to support a fellow maker.